Mexico Vs. Venezuela: 1-1 Draw Leaves El Tri Disappointed

The first match of the Jose Manuel “Chepo” de la Torre-era of the Mexico National Team could not have gone much better. The 3-1 win over Paraguay on Saturday was greeted with near universal approval. Mexico had, after all, soundly beaten a team that had advanced to the 2010 World Cup quarterfinals.

The follow-up performance was not nearly as encouraging. Facing a Venezuela team that has never even been to the World Cup, El Tri was forced to settle for a 1-1 tie on Tuesday. Mexico dominated this match, as well, but could not find the second goal that would allow their fans to rest easy. Predictably, that performance received a very different receptions, as FMF State of Mind, SB Nation’s Mexico-centric blog, detailed:

Mexico lineup (4-2-3-1): Ochoa; Juarez, Marquez, Moreno, Salcido; Torrado, Perez; Guardado, Dos Santos, Barrera; Chicharito

Venezuela lineup (4-4-2): Morales; Chichero, Perozo, Vizcarrondo, Rosales; Chourio, Rincon, Giorgi, Seijas; Moreno, Fedor.